KISSIMMEE, Fla. - As soon as Jeff Luhnow learned a reporter was writing a story about second baseman Jose Altuve's career ceiling, the Astros general manager wanted in.

Too many scouts, analysts, critics and "experts" had written off Altuve. Even with his 2012 All-Star reserve appearance, the 5-5, 175-pound Altuve continues to be overlooked. He was a good player on baseball's worst team last season. This year, he is the face of a franchise that is rebuilding, lacks recognizable players and has the lowest payroll in the game.

Playing in relative anonymity overshadows Altuve's assets. His obvious speed and aggressiveness, which resulted in 33 stolen bases and 80 runs scored in 2012. His deceptive pop, which produced 34 doubles and 167 hits in 147 games. His improving defensive range and clubhouse leadership.

Altuve is only 22 and already an All-Star. And, already, some have tried to cap his career.

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"Most people who have evaluated Altuve over the course of his life as a baseball player probably put some limitations on what he would become," Luhnow said. "He's passed those already. So it's not wise to assume that he has limitations."

For the Astros to exceed the baseball world's low expectations in 2013, the third-year second baseman must at least match his 2012 output and preferably eclipse it.

Through 61 spring training at-bats, Altuve is on track.

He is hitting .344 with five doubles and a .832 on-base plus slugging percentage. When the Astros landed veteran shortstop Ronny Cedeno with just a week left in exhibition play, Altuve immediately linked up with his new middle-infield partner, creating constant dialogue with Cedeno in an attempt to establish a quick defensive bond.

Altuve is simple, silly and upbeat in the clubhouse. He is intense, active and exciting on the field. The second baseman is exactly what first-year manager Bo Porter is seeking for his untested, unproven team. And the Astros don't have to worry about Altuve becoming a free agent until 2018, allowing the club to eventually pair him with shortstop-of-the-future Carlos Correa if both players continue to trek upward.

Porter is so set on Altuve that Altuve was the only player the manager was willing to lock in to the Astros' daily regular-season defensive and batting lineups.

"Altuve's going to play second, and he's going to lead off," Porter said several times when answering questions about the Astros' 2013 everyday players.

Altuve gives the Astros the spirit and belief many on the outside think the team lacks. And he gradually has embraced his role as the team's public face.

During spring training, piles of mail often could be found inches away from Altuve's locker. Being recognized away from Minute Maid Park sometimes still surprises him. But he hasn't avoided the attention, and his off-the-field confidence his risen along with his on-the-field ascension.

"As we get going forward, people are going to know about the team and about every single guy here," Altuve said. "Because we're doing everything we can to win some games, and I feel really happy the way we've been in spring training."

The Venezuela native wants to improve "everywhere" in 2013.

While power and slugging potential aren't part of his game, Altuve spent the spring pushing himself at the plate and in the field. Along with veteran outfielder Rick Ankiel and catcher Jason Castro, Altuve was one of the Astros' most impressive overall players. If he can earn his second consecutive All-Star appearance and the Astros are able to stay below the 100-loss barrier, the franchise's star player and the team he represents will have moved the rebuilding process forward.

"Everybody is on the same page right now," Altuve said. "Bo is a really good guy. He's an aggressive guy. He wants to play hard. And every single guy wants to do the same … and do everything for the team. That's going to be the key this year."